Release tape-free fasteners and disposable absorbent articles utilizing the same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are fasteners for disposable absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles that include the fasteners. The disclosed fasteners generally are free of release tape and adhesives requiring those tapes. At the same time, the disclosed fasteners can be maintained in a closed position prior to the fastener&#39;s (and the disposable absorbent article&#39;s) use and during the process by which the article is manufactured. While maintainable in this closed position, the fastener may be easily opened by the consumer such that the fastener can be then used for its intended purpose, such as, for example to form a side closure on a diaper around the waist and legs of an infant.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to fasteners for disposableabsorbent articles and the articles themselves and, more specifically,to fasteners that are free of release tape and adhesives customarilyassociated with the release tape.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fasteners are useful to secure the corners of a disposable absorbentarticle, such as a diaper. Certain fasteners are refastenable in thatthey are capable of multiple openings and closures. These fasteners areuseful, for example, to attach the absorbent article around the waist ofa wearer and maintain the absorbent article on the wearer during use. Inaddition, these fasteners allow the diaper to be folded or rolled into atight package for disposal, secured in a disposal configuration, andthereafter more easily disposed in a waste receptacle. When thefasteners are secured in the disposal configuration, the contents of theabsorbent article are generally prevented from spilling or leaking outwhile the absorbent article is being disposed. Examples of thesefasteners are generally described in Duncan et al. U.S. Pat. No.RE26,151, Buell U.S. Pat. No. 3,848,594, Scripps U.S. Pat. No.4,846,815, Robertson et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,140, Scripps U.S. Pat.No. 5,019,065, Noel et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,122, Zoia et al. U.S.Pat. No. 5,053,028, Seth U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,789, and InternationalPublication No. WO 02/056814 A1. These fasteners can include amechanical fastener and/or an adhesive fastener.

Mechanical fasteners capable of refastenability include hook (ormushroom-shaped) fasteners engageable with loops, and variants thereof.These fasteners are generally rigid, but can be damaged duringhigh-speed processes used to manufacture commercial quantities ofconsumer goods such as diapers. These processes are often referred to inthe art as “conversion” processes. Damage occurs when the fastenersbecome inadvertently exposed to the processing equipment, which candestroy the fastener or diminish its usefulness by, for example,crushing elements of the fasteners. Hook fasteners are particularlyvulnerable to such damage, but other mechanical type fasteners such asbuttons, tab and slots, or the like can also become damaged, torn, orotherwise adversely affected by high speed processing.

Attempts to address these vulnerabilities have included designingfasteners and delicate elements thereon that are less likely to comeinto contact with the high-speed processing equipment. Generally, thedesigns include folding the fastener into a “closed” position andmaintaining the fastener in that position throughout the manufacturingprocess and until the article is ready for use. Fasteners are generallymaintained in the closed position by a pressure sensitive adhesive and arelease surface, fused welds, or mechanical engagement of fastenerelements directly into the article fabric adjacent the fastener.

Seth U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,789, for example, discloses a fastener designsimilar to designs that have been incorporated intocommercially-available disposable absorbent articles. The '789 patentdescribes a fastener arrangement where mechanical fastening elements aredisposed on a fastening tab formed of a backing and an adhesive layer.The adhesive layer also permanently attaches the fastening tab to aportion of the disposable absorbent article, which article includes abacksheet and a topsheet. A release tape is affixed to the topsheet byan adhesive and the release tape permits the user to release thefastening tab from the fastener arrangement prior to use, for example,and thereafter attach the fastening elements to a complementaryfastening surface on the article when the article is ready for use, orattach the adhesive layer (exposable by the release tape) to otherportions of the article after the article has been used and is ready tobe disposed. While this fastener arrangement is suitable for maintainingthe fastener in a closed position prior to use, it also requiresmaterials such as a release tape and an adhesive layer (exposable by therelease tape) to maintain the fastener in the closed position. Thesematerials can complicate the conversion process and, or course, add tothe costs of the article.

Heindel et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,761 discloses another fastener designsimilar to designs that also have been incorporated intocommercially-available disposable absorbent articles. This design doesnot require the adhesive layer and the release tape to maintain thefastener in the closed position prior to use. Specifically, mechanicalfastening elements (i.e., hooks) on the fastener are releasablyengageable with an inside surface of an ear tab on the article tomaintain the fastener in the closed position prior to use. According tothe '761 patent's disclosure, the ear tab to which the fasteningelements releasably engage is formed of a material such as that used toform an outside cover or inside liner of the article, such as films,nonwoven materials, woven or knit materials, foams, composites, andlaminates thereof.

Although the design disclosed in the '761 patent does not, according tothe '761 patent's disclosure, require a release tape and or an adhesivelayer exposable by the release tape, that design also does not ensurethat the fastener will actually remain suitably engaged with the surfaceof the ear tab prior to its use and, therefore, does not ensure that thefastener (and the fastening elements thereon) will avoid damage from theconversion process. Specifically, the fastener in its closed positionmay encounter stresses during the conversion process stronger than the(peel) force and shear strength required to open the fastener. Thefastener will undesirably open in response to those stresses, and, whenopened during the conversion process, the fastening elements on thefastener will be vulnerable to damage by the conversion processequipment. If damaged, of course, the fastener will not work as intendedto form a closure with other portions of the article.

One response to the problems associated with the fastener designdisclosed in the '761 patent might be to incorporate loop fasteningelements that complimentarily engage the hooks on the fastener. Withthis modification, a stronger (peel) force and shear strength arerequired to open the fastener. However, use of both of the hook and loopfastening elements to hold the fastener closed may provide a (peel)force and shear strength in excess of that ordinarily desired by theuser (e.g., a parent) when attempting to place and fit the articlearound the waist of the wearer (e.g., an infant). For example, when thepeel force is too great, the user will have difficulty in opening thefastener, while also handling and positioning the wearer. Consumertesting has shown that fastening systems exhibiting a peel force ofgreater than about 12 N/inch, as measured by a T-Peel Test, are viewedas being difficult to separate. Consumers tend to prefer a fasteningsystem exhibiting a peel force of less than 10 N/inch, as measured bythe T-Peel Test.

The foregoing discussion of conventional fastener designs identifiesdeficiencies in those designs such as, for example, the expensenecessitated by the use of extra materials (e.g., release tape/surfaceand the adhesive exposed by the tape/surface), extra capital equipment(required to process a fastener having the extra materials), undesirablyweak closure bonds that open during the diaper conversion process(resulting in damage to the fastener elements), and undesirably strongclosure bonds that make use of the article by the consumer difficult andpossibly impractical. Even if the expense necessitated by the extramaterials were of no concern, the presence of such materials presentsother potentially undesirable effects. For example, a pressure sensitiveadhesive (and release tape) may undesirably adhere to the skin of thearticle's wearer (e.g., an infant) or to the hands of the article's user(e.g., a parent) when placing the article on the wearer. This problemmight compel the article's user to select a different product that isless likely to offer this problem.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a fastening system thateliminates the necessity of certain materials used in conventionalfastening systems. Furthermore, it would also be desirable to provide afastening system that maintains the structural integrity andconveniences that consumers have come to expect. Still further, it wouldbe desirable to provide a fastening system that provides a temporaryreleasable bond maintaining the fastener in a closed position duringprocessing and until ready for use. It would also be desirable toprovide consumer goods, such as disposable absorbent articles, thatincorporate such a fastening system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are fasteners for disposable absorbent articles anddisposable absorbent articles that include the fasteners. The disclosedfasteners avoid one or more of the shortcomings present in the existingart. Specifically, the disclosed fasteners are free of release tape andthe adhesives that required those tapes. At the same time, the disclosedfasteners can be maintained in a closed position prior to the fastener's(and the disposable absorbent article's) use, and during the process bywhich the article is manufactured. While maintainable in this closedposition, the fastener may be easily opened by the consumer such thatthe fastener can be then used for its intended purpose, such as, forexample to form a side closure on a diaper around the waist and legs ofan infant. Various embodiments of the fastener and the disposableabsorbent article containing the fastener are disclosed herein.

For example, a first embodiment of the fastener, free of a release tape,includes a fixed portion attachable to the article, a connective portionjoined to and contiguous with the fixed portion, and a folding linedisposed between the fixed and connective portions. The connectiveportion includes a distal edge. The connective portion also includes afastening member having a fastening surface and a bonding surfaceopposite to the fastening surface, wherein the fastening surface isreleasably fastenable to a layer of napped nonwoven fabric on thearticle. The connective portion also includes a backing member attachedto the bonding surface of the fastening member. The presence of thelayer of napped nonwoven fabric provides a surface to which thefastening surface of the fastener can temporarily bond and, together,can maintain the fastener in a closed position until the article isready for use.

A second embodiment of the release tape-free fastener includes a fixedportion attachable to the article, a connective portion joined to andcontiguous with the fixed portion, and a folding line disposed betweenthe fixed and connective portions. The connective portion includes adistal edge. The connective portion also includes a fastening memberhaving dissimilar proximate and distal fastening surfaces and a bondingsurface opposite to the fastening surfaces, wherein at least one of thefastening surfaces is fastenable to a layer of shedable nonwoven fabricon the article. The connective portion also includes a backing memberattached to the bonding surface of the fastening member. The presence ofthe layer of shedable nonwoven fabric provides a surface to which atleast one of the fastening surfaces of the fastener can temporarily bondand, together, can maintain the fastener in a closed position until thearticle is ready for use.

A third embodiment of the release tape-free fastener includes a fixedportion attachable to the article, and a connective portion joined toand contiguous with the fixed portion. The connective portion includes adistal edge, and proximate and distal fastening members. Each of thesefastening members includes a fastening surface and a bonding surfaceopposite to the fastening surface, wherein the fastening surfaces arereleasably fastenable to each other. The connective portion alsoincludes a backing member attached to the bonding surfaces of theproximate and distal fastening members. In addition to the fixed andconnective portions, the fastener includes a folding line disposedbetween the proximate and distal fastening members. The presence offastening surfaces that are releasably fastenable to each other enablesthe fastener to be maintained in a closed position until the article isready for use.

As indicated above, also disclosed herein are disposable absorbentarticles that include these fastener embodiments. The article generallyincludes a body portion having an inside surface, an outside surfaceopposite of the inside surface, longitudinal edges, end edges, a firstend region, and a second end region opposite of the first end region.The body portion includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquidimpervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent coredisposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The article alsoincludes the first embodiment of the release tape-free fastenerdescribed above. Specifically, the fastener includes a fixed portionattached to the first end region of the body portion, a connectiveportion joined to and contiguous with the fixed portion, and a foldingline disposed between the fixed and connective portions. The connectiveportion includes a distal edge. The connective portion also includes afastening member having a fastening surface and a bonding surfaceopposite to the fastening surface, wherein the fastening surface isreleasably fastenable to a layer of napped nonwoven fabric on thearticle. The connective portion also includes a backing member attachedto the bonding surface of the fastening member. As indicated above, thepresence of the layer of napped nonwoven fabric provides a surface towhich the fastening surface of the fastener can temporarily bond and,together, can maintain the fastener in a closed position until thearticle is ready for use.

Alternatively, the article can include the second embodiment of therelease tape-free fastener described above. Accordingly, the article hasa fastener that includes a fixed portion attached to the first endregion of the body portion, a connective portion joined to andcontiguous with the fixed portion, and a folding line disposed betweenthe fixed and connective portions. The connective portion includes adistal edge. The connective portion also includes a fastening memberhaving dissimilar proximate and distal fastening surfaces and a bondingsurface opposite to the fastening surfaces, wherein at least one of thefastening surfaces is fastenable to a layer of shedable nonwoven fabricon the inside surface of the body portion adjacent the fastener. Theconnective portion also includes a backing member attached to thebonding surface of the fastening member. As stated above, the presenceof the layer of shedable nonwoven fabric provides a surface to which atleast one of the fastening surfaces of the fastener can temporarily bondand, together, can maintain the fastener in a closed position until thearticle is ready for use.

In yet another alternative, the article can include the third embodimentof the release tape-free fastener described above. The article has afastener that includes a fixed portion attached to the first end regionof the body portion, and a connective portion joined to and contiguouswith the fixed portion. The connective portion includes a distal edge.The connective portion also includes proximate and distal fasteningmembers each having a fastening surface and a bonding surface oppositeto the fastening surface, wherein the fastening surfaces are releasablyfastenable to each other. The connective portion also includes a backingmember attached to the bonding surfaces of the proximate and distalfastening members. In addition to the fixed and connective portions, thefastener includes a folding line disposed between the proximate anddistal fastening members. As stated above, The presence of fasteningsurfaces that are releasably fastenable to each other enables thefastener to be maintained in a closed position until the article isready for use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as thepresent invention, it is believed that the invention will be more fullyunderstood from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. Some of the figures may have been simplified bythe omission of selected elements for the purpose of more clearlyshowing other elements. Such omissions of elements in some figures arenot necessarily indicative of the presence or absence of particularelements in any of the exemplary embodiments, except as may beexplicitly delineated in the corresponding written description. None ofthe drawings are necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 is a partially cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of adisposable absorbent article specifically a diaper, incorporating afastener embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the upper right-hand corner of thediaper of FIG. 1, the view illustrating one embodiment of a fastener inan “open” position.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 2A in a“closed” position.

FIG. 2C is a top plan view of the fastener of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a corner of the diaper illustratingan alternative embodiment of the fastener in an “open” position.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 3A in a“closed” position.

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of the fastener of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a corner of the diaper illustratingan alternative embodiment of the fastener in an “open” position.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 4A in a“closed” position.

FIG. 4C is a top plan view of the fastener of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a corner of the diaper illustratingan alternative embodiment of the fastener in an “open” position.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 5A in a“closed” position.

FIG. 5C is a top plan view of the fastener of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a corner of the diaper illustratingan alternative embodiment of the fastener in an “open” position.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 6A in a“closed” position.

FIG. 6C is a top plan view of the fastener of FIG. 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are fasteners for disposable absorbent articles thataddress one or more of the above-described shortcomings associated withconventional fasteners. Also disclosed herein are disposable absorbentarticles that include these fasteners.

“Absorbent article” is used herein to refer to a device that absorbs andcontains liquid, and more specifically, refers to a device that isplaced against or in proximity to a device wearer's body to absorb andcontain various exudates discharged from the body. Absorbent articlesinclude items such as diapers, pull-on diapers or pant-type garments,training pants, incontinence briefs, incontinence undergarments,absorbent inserts, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments,and the like.

“Disposable” is used herein to refer to describe absorbent articles thatgenerally are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored orreused as an absorbent article (i.e., articles intended to be discardedafter a single use and, possibly, to be recycled, composted or otherwisedisposed of in an environmentally compatible manner).

“Pant-type” is used herein to refer to an article configured such thatit has a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. A pant may be placedin position on the wearer by inserting the wearer's legs into the legopenings and sliding the pant into position about a wearer's lowertorso. This configuration may be permanent as in the case ofconventional underwear, or may be temporary as in the case of a trainingpant with openable seams for removal. Additionally, absorbent articlescan be constructed with refastenable features allowing the article tohave both a pant-like configuration and one or more configurations whichare open or not pant like.

“Longitudinal” is used herein to refer to a direction runningperpendicular from a waist edge to an opposing waist edge of the articleand generally parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article.Directions within 45 degrees of the longitudinal direction areconsidered to be “longitudinal.”

“Lateral” is used herein to refer to a direction running from a sideedge to an opposing side edge of the article and generally at a rightangle to the longitudinal direction. Directions within 45 degrees of thelateral direction are considered to be “lateral.”

As used herein, the terms “elastic,” “elastomer,” “elastomeric,”“elastically,” and “stretchable” generally refer to materials which areextensible by a pulling force, and which also return to substantiallytheir original dimensions when the external pulling force is removed.More specifically, these terms refer to a material that is able toextend to a strain of at least 50% without breaking or rupturing, and isable to recover substantially to its original dimensions after thedeforming force has been removed. It will be appreciated that theseterms include the term “extensible” as each term is used herein.

“Garment-facing” is used herein to refer to describe a surface that isin contact with or may be in close proximity to any garment being worn.

“Body-facing” is used herein to refer to describe a surface that is incontact with the body of a wearer or in close proximity (i.e., closer tothe body than a garment-facing surface) to the body of the wearer whenthe article is worn.

“Disposed” is used herein to mean that an element(s) is formed (joinedand positioned) in a particular place or position as a unitary structurewith other elements or as a separate element joined to another element.

As used herein, the term “joined” encompasses configurations whereby anelement is directly secured to another element by affixing the elementdirectly to the other element, and configurations whereby an element isindirectly secured to another element by affixing the element tointermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.

The term “fixed,” as used when referring to elements that are “fixed” toone another, means the elements are ordinarily joined or attachedtogether by the manufacturer of the article in a manner such that thewearer or user of the article will not be able to un-join or detach theelements during the article's ordinary use, and the elements will notbecome un-joined or detached through the article's ordinary wear andtear. Elements that are “fixed” to one another are not intended to beseparated during normal use of the article.

As used herein, the terms “refastenable,” “releasably fastenable,” and“engageable” refer to attachment of two or more elements or portions ofelements together in a manner in which they can be separated andre-attached without substantial degradation of fastener performance ordamage to surrounding components of the article which would impair thearticle's continued use. It will be appreciated that a refastenable,releasably fastenable, or engageable component need not have an infinitelife span, but it is sufficient that the components attached in arefastenable, releasably fastenable, or engageable manner can beseparated and re-attached successively several times over the typicaluse life span of the article. It will also be appreciated that theaggressiveness of actual fastening may be reduced significantly fromfastening to refastening in absolute terms, but that such reduction isnot “substantial degradation” of fastener performance if the resultingrefastened strength is sufficient for purposes of ordinarily using thearticle and fastener.

“Mechanical fastener” is used herein to refer to a fastening system ormechanism relying on physical restraint, magnetic fields, or engagementof portions of the fastener for operation. Examples of mechanicalfasteners are hook and loops, hooks and hooks, buttons, snaps, tab andslot, zippers, magnet(s), and tongue and groove fasteners.

Disclosed herein are improvements to fasteners used to secure and formside closures on disposable absorbent articles. These improvementsinclude the elimination of and reduced expenses associated with rawmaterials typically necessary to maintain conventional fasteners in aclosed position during processes used to manufacturer disposableabsorbent articles and the concomitant reduction in complications in themanufacturing processes. Furthermore, the improvements reduce thevulnerability of fastener elements to become damaged during processes,and especially high-speed processes, in which these articles aremanufactured. Improvements also can include the provision of a fastenerin a closed position that has a sufficiently strong closure bond suchthat the fastener remains in a closed position during the article'smanufacturing process, yet sufficiently weak such that the article'suser can readily handle the fastener and open it from its closedposition for placement and fitting on the article's wearer.

Referring now to the drawings figures, wherein like reference numbersrefer to the same or similar elements in the various figures, FIG. 1 isa partially cut-away perspective view of a disposable absorbent article(e.g., a diaper) 20 prior to its being placed on the diaper wearer(e.g., an infant) by the diaper user (e.g., a parent). As shown in FIG.1, the article 20 includes a body portion 22 and a fastening system 24,which is described in more detail below. The body portion 22 includes aliquid pervious topsheet 26, an absorbent core 28, a liquid imperviousbacksheet 30, and leg cuffs 32 that include a side flap 34. In oneembodiment, the leg cuffs are elastically contractible and, therefore,include one or more elastic members 36. The topsheet 26, the absorbentcore 28, the backsheet 30, the side flaps 34, and the elastic members 36may be assembled in a variety of well known disposable diaperconfigurations, such as, for example, those shown and described in BuellU.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the body portion 22 in which the topsheet26 and the backsheet 30 are coextensive and have length and widthdimensions generally larger than those of the absorbent core 28. Thetopsheet 26 is superposed on the backsheet 30 thereby forming aperiphery 38 of the body portion 22. The periphery 38 defines the outerperimeter or, in other words, the outer extent of the body portion 22.The periphery 38 includes longitudinal edges 40 and end edges 42.

The body portion 22 has an inside surface 44 and an outside surface 46.In general, the outside surface 46 of the article 20 extends from oneend edge 42 to the other end edge 42 of the diaper and from onelongitudinal edge 40 to the other longitudinal edge 40 of the diaper andis the surface farthest from the wearer during use of the article 20.When a backsheet 30 is used, it typically forms the outside surface 46of the body portion 22. The inside surface 44 is that surface of thearticle 20 opposite the outside surface 46 and, in the embodiment shownin FIG. 1, is typically formed by the topsheet 26. In general, theinside surface 44 of the article 20 is that surface coextensive with theoutside surface 46, and which is for the greater part in contact withthe wearer when the article 20 is worn. The inside surface 44 also isoften referred to as the “body-facing” surface of the article 20, whilethe outside surface 46 is often referred to as the “garment-facing”surface.

The article 20 has first and second end regions 48 and 50, respectively,extending from the end edges 42 of the diaper periphery 38 toward thelateral centerline (denoted “LC” in FIG. 1) of the article 20. Both thefirst end region 48 and the second end region 50 extend a distance ofabout one-half of the length of the article 20 such that the end regionscomprise each half of the article 20.

Both the first end region 48 and the second end region 50 have panels52. The panels 52, also referred to herein as ear tabs, are thoseportions of the first end region 48 and the second end region 50 thatoverlap with one another when the article 20 is fastened about the waistof the wearer. The extent to which the end regions overlap and, thus,the extent to which the panels 52 are formed will depend on the overalldimensions and shape of the article 20 and the size of the articlewearer.

The absorbent core 28 of the body portion 22 may be any material that isgenerally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer'sskin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids and certain bodyexudates, such as urine or other fluids and fecal matter, discharged byan incontinent wearer of the article. The absorbent core 28 may bemanufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular,hourglass, T-shaped, asymmetric, etc.) and from a wide variety of liquidabsorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and otherdisposable absorbent articles, such as comminuted wood pulp, generallyreferred to as airfelt, and comminuted and airlaid wood pulp, commonlyreferred to as absorbent fluff. Examples of other suitable absorbentmaterials include creped cellulose wadding, meltblown polymers,chemically-stiffened, modified, or cross-linked cellulosic fibers,tissue, absorbent foams including those prepared from polymerization ofa high internal phase emulsion, absorbent sponges, superabsorbentpolymers, absorbent gelling materials, or any other known absorbentmaterials or combination of materials. The total absorbent capacity ofthe absorbent core 28 should, however, be compatible with the designexudate loading in the intended use of the diaper 20. Further, the sizeand absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 may be varied toaccommodate wearers ranging from infants to adults.

While the absorbent core 28 may include a single layer of absorbentmaterial such as the configuration described in Weisman et al. U.S. Pat.No. 4,610,678, in one embodiment, the absorbent core 28 is adual-layered absorbent core in a configuration such as is generallydescribed in Weisman et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,402, having anasymmetric-shaped upper layer 54 and a lower layer 56. According to oneembodiment, the upper layer 54 acts as a liquid acquisition/distributionlayer primarily constructed of hydrophilic fiber material. The lowerlayer 56 acts as a fluid storage layer containing a mixture ofhydrophilic fiber material and particles of an absorbent gellingmaterial (hydrogel material). Both the upper layer 54 and the lowerlayer 56 include an absorbent layer encased in a tissue layer. The size,shape, configuration, and total absorbent capacity of the upper layer 54or the lower layer 56 may be varied to accommodate wearer's ranging frominfants through adults. Therefore, the dimensions, shape, andconfiguration of both the upper layer 54 and the lower layer 56 may bevaried (e.g., the upper layer 54 or the lower layer 56 may have avarying caliper, a hydrophilic gradient, a rapid acquisition zone or maycontain absorbent gelling material).

The absorbent core 28 is superposed on the backsheet 30 and, in oneembodiment, is associated thereto by a core attachment means 58, such asthose well known in the art, for example, pressure-sensitive adhesives,hot melt adhesives or other adhesives; ultrasonic bonding; orheat/pressure sealing. The absorbent core 28 may be secured to thebacksheet 30 by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patternedlayer of adhesive, or any array of separate lines or spots of adhesive.The core attachment means 58 can include an open pattern network offilaments of adhesive as is shown in Minetola et al. U.S. Pat. No.4,573,986.

The backsheet 30 is impervious to liquids and, in one specificembodiment, is manufactured from a thin plastic film, although otherflexible liquid impervious materials also may be used. The backsheet 30prevents the liquids and exudates absorbed and contained in theabsorbent core 28 from soiling garments that might contact the article20, such as bed-sheets and undergarments. In one embodiment, thebacksheet 30 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils), although otherflexible, liquid impervious materials may be used. As used herein, theterm “flexible” refers to materials that are compliant and that willreadily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body. Thebacksheet 30 may be embossed and/or matte-finished to provide a morecloth-like appearance. Further, the backsheet 30 may permit vapors toescape from the absorbent core 28 while still preventing liquids andexudates from passing through the backsheet 30. The size of thebacksheet 30 generally will be determined by the size of the absorbentcore 28 and the exact diaper design selected, for example. In oneembodiment, the backsheet 30 has a modified hourglass shape extendingbeyond the absorbent core a minimum distance of at least about 1.3 cm toabout 2.5 cm (about 0.5 to about 1.0 inch) around the entire diaperperiphery 38.

The topsheet 26 of the body portion 22 is compliant, soft feeling,non-irritating (to the wearer's skin) planar material. Further, thetopsheet 26 is liquid pervious, permitting liquids to readily penetratethrough its thickness, and freely pass through it into the absorbentelement. Its hydrophobic nature tends to cause its body-facing surfaceto be dryer and, therefore, protected from the fluids absorbed withinthe absorbent element. A suitable topsheet 26 may be manufactured from awide range of materials such as porous foams, reticulated foams,apertured films, natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), syntheticfibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers) or from a combinationof natural and synthetic fibers. In one embodiment, the topsheet 26 ismade of a hydrophobic material, such as a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric,to isolate the wearer's skin from liquids retained in the absorbent core28. There are a number of manufacturing techniques that may be used tomanufacture the topsheet 26. For example, the topsheet 26 may be woven,nonwoven, spunbonded, carded, hydroformed or the like.

The term “nonwoven fabric” means a web having a structure of individualfibers or threads which are interlaid, but not in a regular oridentifiable manner as in a knitted fabric. Nonwoven fabrics or webs canformed from processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes,spunbonding processes, air laying processes, coforming processes, andbonded carded web processes.

Generally, and as used herein, the term “napped nonwoven,” refers to anonwoven fabric having a base nonwoven fabric and a layer of fibers onthe surface of the base nonwoven fabric, wherein the layer of fibers hasbeen raised up from the base nonwoven fabric to increase the loft of thenonwoven. The layer of fibers may be raised by one of a variety ofmethods including, but not limited to, brushing, beating, exposing toair from air jets, and the like.

The term “shedable nonwoven” refers to a nonwoven fabric having a basenonwoven fabric and a surface of fibers loosely bonded to the basenonwoven fabric. When the surface fibers are removed, the base nonwovenfabric typically retains about 70% or more of its tensile strengthproperties.

The term “spunbond,” when referring to spunbound fibers, refers to anonwoven fiber fabric of small diameter fibers that are formed byextruding a molten thermoplastic polymer into fibers from a plurality ofcapillaries of a spinneret. The extruded fibers are cooled to anon-tacky state while being drawn by an eductive or other well knowndrawing mechanism. The drawn fibers are deposited or laid onto a formingsurface in a generally random, isotropic manner to form a looselyentangled fiber web, and then the laid fiber web is subjected to abonding process to impart physical integrity and dimensional stability.The production of spunbond fabrics is disclosed, for example, inDorschner et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,618, Matsuo et al. U.S. Pat. No.3,802,817, and Appel et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,563. Typically, spunbondfibers have a linear density of about 2 denier to about 6 denier and adiameter of about 10 μm to about 30 μm (for example about 15 μm to about25 μm), although finer and heavier spunbond fibers can be produced.

According to one embodiment, the topsheet is carded and thermally bondedby means well known to those skilled in the fabric art. Consistent withthat embodiment, the topsheet 26 can have a basis weight from about 15grams per square meter (g/m²) to about 30 g/m², a minimum dry tensilestrength of at least about 400 grams per centimeter (g/cm) in themachine direction and a wet tensile strength of at least about 55 g/cmin the cross-machine direction. In another embodiment, the topsheet 26is spun-bonded nonwoven polyester fabric made from fibers of from about2.2 to about 2.5 denier, having a basis weight of about 17 g/m². In yetanother embodiment, the topsheet 26 includes about 65% staple length,1.5 denier polyester fibers; about 15% crimped, staple length, 1.5denier rayon fibers; and about 20% acrylic copolymer binder. In stillanother embodiment, the topsheet 26 includes staple length polypropylenefibers having a denier of about 1.5. As used herein, the term “staplelength fibers” refer to those fibers having a length of at least about15.9 mm (0.625 inches).

The topsheet 26 and the backsheet 30 are associated together in anysuitable manner as is well known in the diaper manufacturing art. Asused herein, the term “associated” encompasses configurations wherebythe topsheet 26 is directly joined to the backsheet 30 by affixing thetopsheet 26 directly to the backsheet 30, and configurations whereby thetopsheet 26 is indirectly joined to the backsheet 30 by affixing thetopsheet 26 to intermediate members which in turn are affixed to thebacksheet 30. In one embodiment, the topsheet 26 and the backsheet 30are joined directly to each other in the diaper periphery 38 by a flapattachment means 60 such as an adhesive or any other attachment means asis known in the art. In general, the core attachment means 58 thataffixes the absorbent core 28 to the backsheet 30 is the same means asthe flap attachment means 60 that affixes the topsheet 26 to thebacksheet 30. Thus, for example, a uniform continuous layer of adhesive,a patterned layer of adhesive, an array of separate lines or spots ofadhesive, or a network or adhesive filaments such as shown in U.S. Pat.No. 4,573,986 may be used.

Leg cuffs 32, such as elastically contractible leg cuffs, are disposedadjacent the periphery 38 of the body portion 22, such as along eachlongitudinal edge 40, so that the leg cuffs 32 tend to draw and hold thearticle 20 against the legs of the wearer. While the leg cuffs 32 mayinclude any of several means as are well known in the diaper art, onespecific embodiment of the leg cuff construction includes a side flap 34and one or more elastic members 36, as is described in detail in BuellU.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003. Additionally, a method and apparatus suitablefor manufacturing a disposable diaper having elastically contractibleleg cuffs are described in Buell U.S. Pat. No. 4,081,301, Lawson U.S.Pat. No. 4,695,278, Dragoo U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,454, and Buell U.S. Pat.No. 4,900,317. In another embodiment, the elastically contractible legcuff 32 includes a side flap 34 and an elastic member 36 including anelastic thread.

The article (diaper) 20 is provided with a fastening system (oneembodiment of which is generally designated 24 in FIG. 1) for forming aside closure. The fastening system generally includes a fastener 62 anda landing member 64 for receiving the fastener, and various embodimentsof these elements of the fastener are described below with reference tothe other drawing figures. The diaper 20 is fitted to the wearer and thefirst end region 48 and the second end region 50 are maintained in anoverlapping configuration by the fastening system 24 when the diaper 20is worn. As described in more detail below, embodiments of the fastener62 are intended to engage the landing member 64 so as to provide asecure side closure for the diaper 20 when worn by the diaper wearer.

The fastener 62 is fixed to the article 20 and is positioned on theoutside surface 46 of the body portion 22 in the panels (ear tabs) 52 inthe first end region 48, one adjacent each longitudinal edge 40, so asto engage the landing member 64 disposed in the second end region 50.The fastener 62 is fixed to the body portion 22 and, in one embodiment,covers an area about 1 inch wide (i.e., generally perpendicular tolongitudinal centerline (designated “LC” in FIG. 1)) by about 2.5 incheslong (i.e., generally parallel to the longitudinal centerline) at thepanels 52 of the body portion 22.

As described in more detail below, the various embodiments of thefastener may generally be considered either as being out-board of thearticle periphery when the fastener is in a closed position or in-boardof the article periphery when in the closed position. FIGS. 2A through3C describe fasteners that remain in-board of the article periphery whenclosed, whereas FIGS. 4A through 6C describe fasteners remainingout-board of the article periphery when closed. Each embodiment realizesone or more improvements over conventional fastener designs.

With reference to FIGS. 2A through 2C, the fastener 62 is free of arelease tape and includes a fixed portion 66 attachable (and shown asattached) to the article 20, a connective portion 68 joined to andcontiguous with the fixed portion 66, and a folding line 70 disposedbetween the fixed and connective portions 66 and 68, respectively. Theconnective portion 68 includes a distal edge 72. The connective portion68 also includes a fastening member 74 having a fastening surface 76 anda bonding surface 78 opposite to the fastening surface 76, wherein thefastening surface 76 is releasably fastenable to a portion of thearticle 20, in certain embodiments, to the landing member 64 of thearticle 20 and also a layer 90 of napped nonwoven fabric on the articleadjacent the fastener. The connective portion 68 also includes a backingmember 80 attached to the bonding surface 78 of the fastening member 74.

The connective portion 68 of the fastener 62 may also include a grip tab82 disposed adjacent to and between the fastening member 74 and thedistal edge 72. The grip tab 82 may be formed by folding over a smallmargin of the distal edge 72 of the connective portion 68 and attachingit to itself. This forms an end on the connective portion 68 that may beeasier to grasp by the diaper user when the diaper 20 is to be fittedand attached to the wearer.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the fastening member 74 may include aplurality of engaging elements 84 outwardly extending from the fasteningsurface 76. As shown, each engaging element 76 includes a stem 86supported at one end by the fastening surface 76 and a head 88 disposedat the stem 86 end opposite the fastening surface 76.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 2A shown in a“closed” position, for example, prior to the article's use by the diaperwearer. In FIG. 2B, the connective portion 68 is folded along thefolding line 70 onto a portion of the article 20 to permit the fasteningmember 74 to releasably fasten to the article 20. Specifically, and asshown in FIG. 2B, the portion of the article 20 onto which theconnective portion 68 is folded includes a layer 90 of napped nonwovenfabric. The layer 90 of napped nonwoven fabric can complementarilyengage the engaging elements 84 on the fastening member 74. When readyfor use, the fastening member 74 may be disengaged from the layer 90 ofnapped nonwoven fabric.

FIG. 2C is a top plan view of the fastener illustrated in FIGS. 2A and2B. In FIG. 2C, however, the fastener 62 is shown in an “open” position(as it is in FIG. 2A).

With continued reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the fixed portion 66 of thefastener 62 is fixed to the outside surface 46 of the body portion 22 tocreate a manufacturer's end (i.e., that attachment of the fastener 62 tothe diaper 20 made during manufacture of the diaper 20). The connectiveportion 68 is that portion of the fastener 62 releasably fastenable tothe landing member 64 by the user when securing the diaper 20 on thewearer, and releasably fastenable to the layer 90 of napped nonwovenfabric when manufactured, shipped and stored prior to use. Theconnective portion 68, thus, forms the user's end as it is manipulatedby the user to open the fastener 62 from its closed position, and tosecure it to the landing member 64, thereby securing the diaper 20 tothe wearer. Additionally, the outer surface of the fixed portion 66 andthe outer surface of the connective portion 68 form the backing member80 of the fastener 62. A portion of the backing member 80 is bonded tothe bonding surface 78 of the fastening member 74.

The fixed portion 66 and the connective portion 68 can each be separatetapes which meet and are joined adjacent the longitudinal edge 40 of thebody portion 22 in an area of joinder. However, a more practicalstructure for the fastener 62 is one in which the connective portion 68and the fixed portion 66 are a unitary strip of tape material.

FIGS. 2A and 2B also show fastener attachment means 94 for fixing thefastener 62 to the body portion 22. These fastener attachment means 94are any of those attachment means capable of providing an adequate bond,such as, for example, heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds,dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment means orcombinations of these attachment means as are known to those of ordinaryskill in the art. The fastener attachment means 94 may include any ofthose adhesives capable of providing an adequate bond with otherportions of the diaper, and is, in one specific embodiment, apressure-sensitive adhesive such as code number XPF 1.42.34 availablefrom The 3M Company (St. Paul, Minn.). In one embodiment, the fastenerattachment means is an ultrasonic bond. Suitable methods for ultrasonicbonding are described in Schaefer U.S. Pat. No. 4,430,148 and Willhite,Jr. et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,823,783. Suitable equipment for ultrasonicbonding is available from Branson Ultrasonics Corporation of (Danbury,Conn.). High-pressure or ultrasonic bonding has been found to suitablyfix the fastener to the article, especially, where the fastener is beingattached to a layer of nonwoven fabric (e.g.,spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) fibers) on the article.

As shown and described above, the inner surface of the fixed portion 66is affixed to the outside surface 46 of the body portion 22 by afastener attachment means 94. The connective portion 68 is provided witha fastening member 74 joined to it by another fastener attachment means94, although an adhesive attachment means may be placed on the fasteningmember 74 separately and the combined material joined to the connectiveportion 68.

Materials for the fastener can include a tape material such as tape codenumbers XPF 14.43.0, Y-9376, or Y-9030 available from The 3M Company(St. Paul, Minn.). The tape materials in the various embodimentsdisclosed herein are a polyethylene film having a fastener attachmentmeans tailored to bond to the polyethylene positioned on the tapematerial.

The fastening member 74 of the fastener 62 forms a closure between thefastener 62 and the landing member 64. More specifically, the engagingelements 84 of fastening member 74, in one embodiment, engage acomplementary fastening surface 92 of the landing member 64 to maintainthe first end region 48 and the second end region 50 in an overlappingconfiguration to provide a secure side closure. As discussed in moredetail below, the fastening surface 92 may include any of the well knownmeans for achieving a closure such as buttons, snaps, hook fasteningmaterials, or loop fastening materials. In one specific embodiment,however, the fastening surface 92 includes loop fastening materials. Asused herein, the term “hook fastening material” is used to designate amaterial having engaging elements 84. The hook fastening material mayalso be referred to as a male fastener. It should also be understoodthat the use of the term “hook” should be non-limiting in the sense thatthe engaging elements 84 may comprise any shapes as are known in the artso long as they are adapted to engage a complementary fastening surface92 of the landing member 64, for example. The hook fastening materialsare intended to engage fibrous elements of a loop fastening material soas to provide a secure fastening system. Thus, the hook fasteningmaterial may be manufactured from a wide range of materials. Suitablematerials include nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or any combination ofthese materials. A suitable hook fastening material includes a number ofshaped engaging elements 84 projecting from a woven backing such as thecommercially available material designated “Scotchmate” brand No. FJ3402available from The 3M Company (St. Paul, Minn.). Alternatively, theengaging elements may have any shape such as hooks, “T's” or any othershape as are well known in the art. A suitable hook fastening materialis described in Scripps U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,815.

The fastening member 74 may be a separate member fixed to and associatedwith the fastener 62 or a unitary member with the fastener 62. Thefastening member 74 may be directly attached to the connective portion68 or may be indirectly attached to the connective portion 68, such asby attaching the fastening member 74 to an intermediate member which, inturn, is attached to the connective portion 68. In one embodiment, asshown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the fastening member 74 is directly fixed tothe connective portion 68 of the fastener 62 by the fastener attachmentmeans 94. The fastener 62 may be positioned in the panels (also referredto as ear tabs) 52 of the first end region 48 adjacent the longitudinaledges 40. The fastening member 74 may be positioned either on all of orat least a portion of the connective portion 68. In a furtherembodiment, the fastening member 74 may be disposed on a first area (orportion) of the connective portion 68 adjacent the distal edge 72 of thefastener 62.

The landing member 64 of the fastening system 24 provides a means forsecuring itself and the fastener 62 together to provide a secure sideclosure and to maintain the first end region 48 and the second endregion 50 in an overlapping configuration. The landing member 64 may bedisposed anywhere on the diaper 20 so long as it engages the fastener 62to provide the side closure. For example, the landing member 64 may bedisposed on the outside surface 46 in the second end region 50 (as shownin FIG. 1), or on any other portion of the diaper 20 which is disposedto engage the fastener 62. In addition, the landing member 64 may be aunitary piece of material that is neither divided nor discontinuous withan element of the diaper 20 such as the topsheet 26 or the backsheet 30.While the landing member 64 can assume varying sizes and shapes, oneembodiment of the diaper 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 can have a shapedlanding member 64 secured to the outside surface 46 of the body portion22 in the panels (ear tabs) 52 of the second end region 50 adjacent eachof the longitudinal edges 40.

The landing member 64 may include a fastening surface 92 engageable withthe fastening member 74 of the fastener 62. Thus, the fastening surface92 may be manufactured from a wide range of materials and configurationscapable of securely engaging the fastening member 74. For example, thefastening surface 92 may include identical complementary elements withthe fastening member 74 or distinct complementary elements with thefastening member 74. As used herein, the term “identical complementaryelements” is used to define mechanical fastening systems wherein theengaging elements 84 of the fastening member 74 and the fasteningsurface 92 comprise the same configuration or structure that areinterlocking. Examples of such systems are described in Brown et al.U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,875 and Kellenberger et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,179.The term “distinct complementary elements” is used herein to designate asystem wherein the fastening member 74 is different from the fasteningsurface 92 but is engageable therewith such as buttons and holes, a hookfastening material and a loop fastening material, or a male member and afemale member. The fastening surface 92 can include a hook fasteningmaterial or a loop fastening material depending upon whether thefastening member 74 is a loop fastening material or a hook fasteningmaterial. As shown in FIG. 1, the landing member 64 can include afastening surface 92 having a plurality of fiber elements such as a loopfastening material 94.

In one embodiment, the loop fastening material of the landing member 64can provide a plurality of fiber elements that engage the engagingelements 84 of the fastening member 74 (hook fastening material). Theloop fastening material may be manufactured from a wide range ofmaterials to provide fiber elements, such as loops. Such suitablematerials include nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or any combination ofthese materials. A suitable loop fastening material 94 includes a numberof fiber loops projecting from a woven backing such as the commerciallyavailable material designated “Scotchmate” brand nylon woven loop No.SJ3401 available from The 3M Company (St. Paul, Minn.). In oneembodiment, the loop fastening material includes a tricot knit fabrichaving a plurality of nylon filament loops projecting from a backing ofnylon such as the commercially available material designated “GuilfordNo. 16110” available from Guilford Mills (Greensboro, N.C.). In analternative embodiment, the loop fastening material may be a nonwovenfabric or any other type of fiber material or loop material well knownin the art. An inexpensive loop fastening material and a method ofmaking such a loop fastening material is described in Noel et al. U.S.Pat. No. 5,032,122.

In use, the diaper 20 is applied to the wearer by positioning the firstend region 48 under the wearer's back and drawing the remainder of thediaper 20 between the legs of the wearer so that the second end region50 is positioned across the front of the wearer. The connective portion68 of the fastener 62 is then positioned adjacent to the landing member64 positioned on the outside surface 46 of the second end region 50 sothat the fastening member 74 which is disposed on the fastener 62 willengage the fastening surface 92 of the landing member 64 to form a sideclosure. After the diaper 20 has been soiled, the diaper 20 is removedfrom the wearer. The diaper 20 is then folded or rolled up into aconfiguration for disposal. In rolling up the diaper 20, the panels 52in the second end region 50 are in-folded, and the body portion 22,beginning with the second end region 50, is rolled into a structure withthe fastener 62 extending outwardly from the rolled-up diaper 20. Thefastening member 74 of the fastener 62 is then secured to the diaper 20(and, in one embodiment, to the outside surface 46 thereof) so as tosecure the diaper 20 in its rolled-up configuration so that it may beeasily and conveniently disposed in a waste receptacle.

Alternative embodiments of the fastener are shown in the remainingdrawing figures. For example, FIGS. 3A through 3C show a release tapefree fastener 62 that includes a fixed portion 100 attachable (and shownattached to) the article 20, a connective portion 102 joined to andcontiguous with the fixed portion 100, and a folding line 70 disposedbetween the fixed and connective portions (100 and 102, respectively).As shown, the connective portion 102 includes a fastening member definedby dissimilar proximate and distal fastening members (104 and 106,respectively). The proximate fastening member 104 includes a fasteningsurface 108A and a bonding surface 110A opposite to the fasteningsurface 108A. The distal fastening member 106 includes a fasteningsurface 108B and a bonding surface 110B opposite to the fasteningsurface 108B. At least one of these fastening surfaces is fastenable toa layer of shedable nonwoven fabric on the article 20. Morespecifically, and as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, at least one of thefastening surfaces 108A and 108B is fastenable to a layer 91 of shedablenonwoven fabric disposed on the portion of the article 20 adjacent thefolding line 70 of the fastener 62.

As shown, the distal fastening surface 106 includes a plurality ofengaging elements 84 outwardly extending from the distal fasteningsurface 108B. Each engaging element 84 includes a stem 86 supported atone end by the distal fastening surface 108B and a head 88 disposed atthe stem 86 end opposite the distal fastening surface 108B.

The proximate and distal fastening surfaces are not limited to theembodiments depicted in FIGS. 3A through 3C. Accordingly, in theembodiment shown in these figures, the proximate fastening surface isfastenable to the layer of shedable nonwoven fabric. The proximatefastening surface is an adhesive, and may be an adhesive capable ofadhering to the shedable nonwoven fabric for a time sufficient tomaintain the fastener in a closed position (shown in FIG. 3B) during themanufacturing process. Where the proximate fastening surface is anadhesive, the fastener includes a plurality of engaging elementsoutwardly extending from the distal fastening surface. Each of theseengaging elements includes a stem supported at one end by the distalfastening surface and a head disposed at the stem end opposite thedistal fastening surface. Accordingly, the distal fastening surface isreleasably fastenable to a landing member on the article.

Alternatively, the distal fastening surface may be fastenable to thelayer of shedable nonwoven material. In this alternative embodiment (notshown), the distal fastening surface is an adhesive and, in certainembodiments, an adhesive capable of adhering to the shedable nonwovenmaterial for a time sufficient to maintain the fastener in a closedposition during the manufacturing process. Where the distal fasteningsurface is an adhesive, the fastener includes a plurality of engagingelements outwardly extending from the proximate fastening surface. Eachof these engaging elements includes a stem supported at one end by thedistal fastening surface and a head disposed at the stem end oppositethe distal fastening surface. Accordingly, in this alternativeembodiment (not shown), the proximate fastening surface is releasablyfastenable to a landing member on the article.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the fastener 62 shown in a “closed”position as it may be prior to the article's use, for example. In FIG.3B, the connective portion 102 (including the proximate and distalfastening surfaces 108A and 108B, respectively) is folded along thefolding line 70 onto the layer 91 of shedable nonwoven fabric disposedon the portion of the article 20 adjacent the folding line 70 of thefastener 62. The layer 91 of shedable nonwoven fabric maycomplementarily engage the engaging elements on the distal fasteningsurface 108B while also adhering to the adhesive of the proximatefastening surface 108A. These fastening surfaces (108A and 108B)therefore ensure that the fastener 62 is maintained in a closed positionuntil the article 20 is ready for use.

When ready for use, the fastening surfaces (108A and 108B) may bedisengaged from the layer 91 of shedable nonwoven fabric on the article20. Fibers from the shedable nonwoven material may desirably remainadhered to the adhesive of the proximate fastening surface 108A and,thereby weaken the strength of the adhesive. This strength-weakening isdesirable, for example, because the adhesive will be less likely toundesirably stick to the wearer's skin or to the user's hand duringtimes when the article 20 is being handled for attachment to the weareror for disposal. When the fastening surfaces are disengaged from thelayer 91 of shedable nonwoven fabric and laid in the open position (asshown in FIGS. 3A and 3C), the fastener 62 and, more specifically, theengaging elements 84 of the distal fastening surface 108B, can engagethe fastening surface 92 of the landing member 64 so as to provide asuitable side closure.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A through 3C, the proximate fasteningsurface 108A includes an adhesive. In an alternative embodiment (notshown), however, the distal fastening surface may include the adhesive,while the proximate fastening surface may include the fasteningelements.

Suitable adhesives for maintaining the fastener (shown in FIGS. 3Athrough 3C) in a closed position include adhesives that are capable ofproviding a temporary bond having a peel strength and shear strengthsufficient to maintain the fastener in a closed position during thearticle's manufacturing process, but weak enough to permit the article'suser to readily open the fastener when the article is ready for use. Inone embodiment, the adhesive is capable of providing a bond havingstrength sufficient to maintain the fastener in a closed position duringthe article's manufacturing process, which bond approaches zero strengthwhen the article's user removes the article from its packaging. Toprovide a suitable bond, a low basis weight of adhesive may be used asthe adhesive. The adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive such ascode number XPF 1.42.34 available from The 3M Company (St. Paul, Minn.).This type of bond can be provided by a variable coating or printingprocess capable of minimizing the amount of adhesive used or to printthe adhesive in a tapered pattern such that the adhesive enables easypeel by the article's user. Accordingly, the bond will resist dragforces commonly encountered during the article's manufacturing process;but, offers desirably little resistance when the article's user attemptsto peel the fastener open. Still, another alternative would be to use anadhesive that has sufficient tack (wet) strength when applied to thefastener and when the fastener is initially closed, but loses that tackstrength (dries) shortly thereafter. Solvent-, water-, and starch-basedadhesives may be suitable for this purpose.

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of the fastener illustrated in FIGS. 3A and3B. In FIG. 3C, the fastener 62 is shown in an “open” position (as inFIG. 3A).

FIGS. 4A through 6C illustrate fastener embodiments where the fastener,in its closed position, remains outboard of the article's periphery 38.Generally, these fastener embodiments include a fixed portion attachableto the article, and a connective portion joined to and contiguous withthe fixed portion. The connective portion includes a distal edge, andproximate and distal fastening members. Each of these fastening membersincludes a fastening surface and a bonding surface opposite to thefastening surface, wherein the fastening surfaces are releasablyfastenable to each other. The connective portion also includes a backingmember attached to the bonding surfaces of the proximate and distalfastening members. In addition to the fixed and connective portions, thefastener includes a folding line disposed on the connective portionbetween the proximate and distal fastening members.

The embodiments of the fastener illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 6Cprovide certain processing advantages over those described relative toFIGS. 2A through 3C. Specifically, the former are advantageous in thatthe fasteners can be folded into a closed position prior to being fixedto the article. In other words, the fasteners can be provided to andfixed to the article in a high-speed article manufacturing process whilealready in a closed position. This design, therefore, avoids orminimizes, the potential for fastening elements on the fastener tobecome damaged during the high-speed article manufacturing processbecause the fastener is maintained in a closed position for longerperiods of the process. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A through 3C, incontrast, typically will require the article's manufacturer to provideand fix those fastener embodiments to the article while the fastener isin the open position and, thereafter, require the article's manufacturerto include processing steps to fold the fastener into a closed position.Fixing the fastener to the article while the fastener is in the openposition as well as the additional processing steps provide thepossibility that fastener elements may become damaged by the articlemanufacturing process—a possibility that is avoided or minimized by thefastener embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 6C.

In various embodiments described in more detail below with reference tothe drawing FIGS. 4A through 6C, these fasteners can include, forexample, a plurality of engaging elements outwardly extending from thefastening surface of the distal fastening member. Each of these engagingelements includes a stem supported at one end by the fastening surfaceof the distal fastening member and a head disposed at the stem endopposite the fastening surface of the distal fastening member. When thedistal fastening surface includes these fastening members, the fasteningsurface of the proximate fastening member may be selected from the groupconsisting of an adhesive, a napped nonwoven fabric, and combinationsthereof. The fastening surface of the distal fastening member isreleasably fastenable to a landing member on the article. In contrast,however, the fastening surface of the proximate fastening member is notreleasably fastenable to the landing member on the article.

Alternatively, the features of the distal and proximate fasteningsurfaces described in the preceding paragraph may be reversed relativeto the two fastening surfaces. For example, the fastener can include aplurality of engaging elements outwardly extending from the fasteningsurface of the proximate fastening member. Each of these engagingelements includes a stem supported at one end by the fastening surfaceof the proximate fastening member and a head disposed at the stem endopposite the fastening surface of the proximate fastening member. Whenthe proximate fastening surface includes these fastening members, thefastening surface of the distal fastening member may be selected fromthe group consisting of an adhesive, a napped nonwoven fabric, andcombinations thereof. Accordingly, the fastening surface of theproximate fastening member is releasably fastenable to a landing memberon the article, whereas the fastening surface of the distal fasteningmember is not releasably fastenable to the landing member on thearticle.

A fastener embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A through 4C is similar to theembodiment shown in FIGS. 3A through 3C. Notably different in thisembodiment, however, is that the fastener 62 in FIGS. 4A through 4Cincludes a folding line 112 between the proximate fastening member 104and the distal fastening member 106. With this modification, thefastening surfaces 108A and 108B are releasably fastenable to eachother, as shown in FIG. 4B. Specifically, when the proximate fasteningsurface 108A is an adhesive, that surface 108A is capable of suitablyadhering to the engaging elements 84 of the distal fastening surface108B. Accordingly, the article need not (and does not in FIGS. 4Athrough 4C) contain a layer of napped nonwoven fabric because thefastening surfaces 108A and 108B need not engage the article 20 tomaintain the fastening surfaces 108A and 108B in a “closed” positionprior to the article's use.

When ready for use, the fastening surfaces (108A and 108B) may bedisengaged from one other by the user. When these surfaces aredisengaged from one another and laid in the “open” position (as shown inFIGS. 4A and 4C), the fastener 62 and, more specifically, the engagingelements 84 of the distal fastening surface 108B, can engage thefastening surface 92 of the landing member 64 so as to provide asuitable side closure.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A through 4C is advantageous in that onlylow peel forces are required to open the fastener when the article isready for use. The low peel force may be attributed to the surface areaof heads on the fastening surface that engage the adhesive. Adhesivessuitable for use as a fastening surface in the embodiment shown in FIGS.4A through 4C include those discussed above relative to the embodimentshown in FIGS. 3A through 3C. Generally, the adhesive should be capableof providing a temporary bond having a peel strength and shear strengthsufficient to maintain the fastener in a closed position during thearticle's manufacturing process, but weak enough to permit the article'suser to readily open the fastener when the article is ready for use. Inone embodiment, the adhesive is capable of providing a bond havingstrength sufficient to maintain the fastener in a closed position duringthe article's manufacturing process, which bond approaches zero strengthwhen the article's user removes the article from its packaging.

FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate yet another embodiment of a suitablefastener. This embodiment is similar to the one shown in FIGS. 4Athrough 4C. The fastener 62 shown in FIGS. 5A through 5C, however,includes a proximate fastening member 104 that is a napped nonwovenfabric or a layer 114 of napped nonwoven fabric. This layer 114 ofnapped nonwoven fabric is affixed to the connective portion 102 by thefastener attachment means 94 described above.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A through 5C, the distal fasteningsurface 108B and, more specifically, the engaging elements 84 of thedistal fastening surface 108B, releasably engage the layer 114 of nappednonwoven fabric (as shown in FIG. 5B). When ready for use, the fasteningsurface 108B may be disengaged from the layer 114 of napped nonwovenfabric by the user and laid in the “open” position (as shown in FIGS. 5Aand 5C). In the open position, the engaging elements 84 of the distalfastening surface 108B can engage the fastening surface 92 of thelanding member 64 so as to provide a suitable side closure.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A through 5C is advantageous in that iteliminates the use of an adhesive to maintain the fastener in a closedposition. By eliminating the necessity of the adhesive, the manufacturermay realize cost savings relative to the cost typically associated withthe use of the adhesive. Furthermore, the elimination of the adhesiveavoids the potential for the fastener to undesirably stick to the skinof the article's wearer (e.g., an infant) or to the hands of thearticle's user (e.g., a parent) when placing the article on the wearer.

Generally, the nonwoven fabric is brushed to loft or otherwise raisefibers comprising the fabric from the surface such that fasteningelements on the fastener can releasably engage the fabric and provide atemporary bond having a peel strength and shear strength sufficient tomaintain the fastener in a closed position during the article'smanufacturing process, but weak enough to permit the article's user toreadily open the fastener when the article is ready for use. In oneembodiment, the napped nonwoven fabric when engaged with the fasteningelements on the fastener is capable of providing a bond having strengthsufficient to maintain the fastener in a closed position during thearticle's manufacturing process, which bond approaches zero strengthwhen the article's user removes the article from its packaging.

Another alternative embodiment of a suitable fastener is shown in FIGS.6A through 6C. The proximate fastening member 104 of the fastener 62shown in FIGS. 6A through 6C includes a plurality of engaging elements116 outwardly extending from the proximate fastening surface 108A. Asshown, each engaging element 116 includes a stem 118 supported at oneend by the proximate fastening surface 108A and a head 120 disposed atthe stem 118 end opposite the proximate fastening surface 108A.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the fastener 62 of FIG. 6A shown ina “closed” position, for example, prior to the article's use by thediaper wearer. As shown in FIG. 6B, the fastening surfaces 108A and 108Band, more specifically, the engaging elements 116 and 84 of therespective surfaces 108A and 108B, are releasably fastenable to eachother. When ready for use, the fastening surfaces (108A and 108B) may bedisengaged from each other by the user. When these surfaces aredisengaged from one another and laid in the “open” position (as shown inFIGS. 6A and 6C), the fastener 62 and, more specifically, the engagingelements 84 of the distal fastening surface 108B and the engagingelements 116 of the proximate fastening surface 108A, can engage thefastening surface 92 of the landing member 64 so as to provide asuitable side closure. In one embodiment, the proximate and distalfastening surfaces are laterally separated from each other on theconnective portion by a distance of about 2 millimeters (mm) to about 8mm.

Consistent with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 5C, theembodiment shown in FIGS. 6A through 6C provides a temporary bond havinga peel strength and shear strength sufficient to maintain the fastenerin a closed position during the article's manufacturing process, butweak enough to permit the article's user to readily open the fastenerwhen the article is ready for use. In one embodiment, the engagedfastening elements of the proximate and distal fastening surfaces arecapable of providing a bond having strength sufficient to maintain thefastener in a closed position during the article's manufacturingprocess, which bond approaches zero strength when the article's userremoves the article from its packaging.

As discussed herein, fastener embodiments maintained in a closedposition (as generally illustrated in FIGS. 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, and 6B) willbe subjected to peel forces in a variety of different contexts. Peelforces may be generated as the article is being assembled in ahigh-speed manufacturing process, for example. Furthermore, peel forcesmay be generated prior to the article's use (i.e., prior to the articlebeing fit to the article's wearer) when, for example, the article isbeing packaged. Still further, peel forces may be generated by thearticle's user (e.g., a parent) when, for example, the user is preparingto fit the article to the wearer. User generated peel forces areexpected to be much higher than the peel forces generated prior to thearticle's use by, for example, the article's manufacturing or packagingprocesses. In its closed position, the fastener embodiments are designedto have a resistance to peel forces (peel resistance) with respect toonly the movements encountered during periods prior to the article'suse. It should, therefore, be understood that the peel resistance shouldonly be great enough to prevent the fastener, in its closed position,from opening prior to the article's use.

It has generally been found that these fasteners should be designed soas to resist peel forces of at least about 1 Newton (N), and less thanabout 5 N. In one embodiment, the peel forces of the fastener in aclosed position should be about 1 N to less than about 5 N. In anotherembodiment, the peel forces should be at least about 2 N to less thanabout 4 N. Bond strength (or peel force) values can be measuredaccording to a partially modified ASTM D 1876-95 (1995) (Standard TestMethod for Peel Resistance also known as T-Peel Test) standard method,which is described in detail in Corzani U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,025

In use, and as described herein, the article 20 shown in FIG. 1 may beapplied to the wearer by positioning the first end region 48 under thewearer's back and drawing the remainder of the article 20 between thelegs of the wearer so that the second end region 50 is positioned acrossthe front of the wearer. The connective portion of the fastener 62 isthen secured to the outside surface 46 of the second end region 50 sothat the landing member 64, which is disposed on the outside surface 46of the second end region 50, will engage fastening members on thefastener 62 to form a side closure.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part,incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not tobe construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to thepresent invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A fastener for a disposable absorbent article, the fastener beingfree of a release tape and comprising: (a) a fixed portion attachable tothe article; (b) a connective portion joined to and contiguous with thefixed portion, the connective portion comprising (i) a distal edge, (ii)a fastening member having a fastening surface and a bonding surfaceopposite to the fastening surface, wherein the fastening surface isreleasably fastenable to a layer of napped nonwoven fabric on thearticle, and (iii) a backing member attached to the bonding surface ofthe fastening member; and, (c) a folding line disposed between the fixedand connective portions.
 2. The fastener of claim 1, further comprisinga plurality of engaging elements outwardly extending from the fasteningsurface.
 3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein each engaging elementcomprises a stem supported at one end by the fastening surface and ahead disposed at the stem end opposite the fastening surface.
 4. Thefastener of claim 2, wherein the fastening surface is releasablyfastenable to a landing member on the article
 5. The fastener of claim1, wherein the connective portion is foldable along the folding line topermit the fastening surface to releasably fasten to the layer of nappednonwoven fabric.
 6. A fastener for a disposable absorbent article, thefastener being free of a release tape and comprising: (a) a fixedportion attachable to the article; (b) a connective portion joined toand contiguous with the fixed portion, the connective portion comprising(i) a distal edge, (ii) a fastening member having dissimilar proximateand distal fastening surfaces and a bonding surface opposite to thefastening surfaces, wherein at least one of the fastening surfaces isfastenable to a layer of shedable nonwoven fabric on the article, and(iii) a backing member attached to the bonding surface of the fasteningmember; and, (c) a folding line disposed between the fixed andconnective portions.
 7. The fastener of claim 6, wherein the connectiveportion is foldable along the folding line to permit the at least one ofthe fastening surfaces to fasten to the layer of shedable nonwovenfabric.
 8. The fastener of claim 6, wherein the proximate fasteningsurface is fastenable to the layer of shedable nonwoven fabric.
 9. Thefastener of claim 8, wherein the proximate fastening surface is anadhesive.
 10. The fastener of claim 9, further comprising a plurality ofengaging elements outwardly extending from the distal fastening surface.11. The fastener of claim 10, wherein each engaging element comprises astem supported at one end by the distal fastening surface and a headdisposed at the stem end opposite the distal fastening surface.
 12. Thefastener of claim 10, wherein the distal fastening surface is releasablyfastenable to a landing member on the article.
 13. The fastener of claim6, wherein the distal fastening surface is fastenable to the layer ofshedable nonwoven fabric.
 14. The fastener of claim 13, wherein thedistal fastening surface is an adhesive.
 15. The fastener of claim 14,further comprising a plurality of engaging elements outwardly extendingfrom the proximate fastening surface.
 16. The fastener of claim 15,wherein each engaging element comprises a stem supported at one end bythe proximate fastening surface and a head disposed at the stem endopposite the proximate fastening surface.
 17. The fastener of claim 15,wherein the proximate fastening surface is releasably fastenable to alanding member on the article.
 18. A fastener for a disposable absorbentarticle, the fastener being free of a release tape and comprising: (a) afixed portion attachable to the article; (b) a connective portion joinedto and contiguous with the fixed portion, the connective portioncomprising (i) a distal edge, (ii) proximate and distal fasteningmembers each comprising a fastening surface and a bonding surfaceopposite to the fastening surface, wherein the fastening surfaces arereleasably fastenable to each other, and (iii) a backing member attachedto the bonding surfaces of the proximate and distal fastening members,and (c) a folding line disposed between the proximate and distalfastening members.
 19. The fastener of claim 18, further comprising aplurality of engaging elements outwardly extending from the fasteningsurface of the distal fastening member.
 20. The fastener of claim 19,wherein each engaging element comprises a stem supported at one end bythe fastening surface of the distal fastening member and a head disposedat the stem end opposite the fastening surface of the distal fasteningmember.
 21. The fastener of claim 19, wherein the fastening surface ofthe proximate fastening member is selected from the group consisting ofan adhesive, a napped nonwoven fabric, and combinations thereof.
 22. Thefastener of claim 21, wherein the fastening surface of the proximatefastening member is an adhesive.
 23. The fastener of claim 21, whereinthe fastening surface of the proximate fastening member is a nappednonwoven fabric.
 24. The fastener of claim 19, wherein the fasteningsurface of the distal fastening member is releasably fastenable to alanding member on the article.
 25. The fastener of claim 25, wherein thefastening surface of the proximate fastening member is not releasablyfastenable to the landing member on the article
 26. The fastener ofclaim 18, further comprising a plurality of engaging elements outwardlyextending from the fastening surface of the proximate fastening member.27. The fastener of claim 26, wherein each engaging element comprises astem supported at one end by the fastening surface of the proximatefastening member and a head disposed at the stem end opposite thefastening surface of the proximate fastening member.
 28. The fastener ofclaim 26, wherein the fastening surface of the distal fastening memberis selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, a napped nonwovenfabric, and combinations thereof.
 29. The fastener of claim 28, whereinthe fastening surface of the distal fastening member is an adhesive. 30.The fastener of claim 28, wherein the fastening surface of the distalfastening member is a napped nonwoven fabric.
 31. The fastener of claim26, wherein the fastening surface of the proximate fastening member isreleasably fastenable to a landing member on the article.
 32. Thefastener of claim 31, wherein the fastening surface of the distalfastening member is not releasably fastenable to the landing member onthe article.
 33. A disposable absorbent article comprising: (a) a bodyportion having an inside surface, an outside surface opposite of theinside surface, longitudinal edges, end edges, a first end region, and asecond end region opposite of the first end region, the body portioncomprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheetjoined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between thetopsheet and the backsheet; and, (b) a fastener free of a release tape,the fastener comprising a fixed portion attached to the first end regionof the body portion, and a connective portion joined to and contiguouswith the fixed portion, a folding line disposed between the fixed andconnective portions, wherein the connective portion comprises: (i) adistal edge, (ii) a fastening member having a fastening surface and abonding surface opposite to the fastening surface, wherein the fasteningsurface is releasably fastenable a layer of napped nonwoven fabric onthe inside surface of the body portion adjacent the fastener, and (iii)a backing member attached to the bonding surface of the fasteningmember.
 34. The disposable absorbent article of claim 33 furthercomprising a landing member disposed on the second end region of thebody portion, the landing member comprising a fastening elementreleasably fastenable to the fastening surface of the fastening member.35. The disposable absorbent article of claim 34, wherein the fasteningelement comprises a plurality of fiber elements.
 36. The disposableabsorbent article of claim 33, further comprising a plurality ofengaging elements outwardly extending from the fastening surface. 37.The disposable absorbent article of claim 36, wherein each engagingelement comprises a stem supported at one end by the fastening surfaceand a head disposed at the stem end opposite the fastening surface. 38.The disposable absorbent article of claim 33, wherein the connectiveportion is foldable along the folding line to permit the fasteningsurface to releasably fasten to the layer of napped nonwoven fabric. 39.A disposable absorbent article comprising: (a) a body portion having aninside surface, an outside surface opposite of the inside surface,longitudinal edges, end edges, a first end region, and a second endregion opposite of the first end region, the body portion comprising aliquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to thetopsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and thebacksheet; and, (b) a fastener free of a release tape, the fastenercomprising a fixed portion attached to the first end region of the bodyportion, and a connective portion joined to and contiguous with thefixed portion, a folding line disposed between the fixed and connectiveportions, wherein the connective portion comprises: (i) a distal edge,(ii) a fastening member having dissimilar proximate and distal fasteningsurfaces and a bonding surface opposite to the fastening surfaces,wherein at least one of the fastening surfaces is fastenable to a layerof shedable nonwoven fabric on the inside surface of the body portionadjacent the fastener, and (iii) a backing member attached to thebonding surface of the fastening member.
 40. The disposable absorbentarticle of claim 39, wherein the connective portion is foldable alongthe folding line to permit the at least one of the fastening surfaces tofasten to the layer of shedable nonwoven fabric.
 41. The disposableabsorbent article of claim 39, wherein the proximate fastening surfaceis fastenable to the layer of shedable nonwoven fabric.
 42. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 41, wherein the proximatefastening surface is an adhesive.
 43. The disposable absorbent articleof claim 42, further comprising a plurality of engaging elementsoutwardly extending from the distal fastening surface.
 44. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 43, wherein each engaging elementcomprises a stem supported at one end by the distal fastening surfaceand a head disposed at the stem end opposite the distal fasteningsurface.
 45. The disposable absorbent article of claim 43, wherein thedistal fastening surface is releasably fastenable to a landing member onthe article.
 46. The disposable absorbent article of claim 39, whereinthe distal fastening surface is fastenable to the layer of shedablenonwoven fabric.
 47. The disposable absorbent article of claim 46,wherein the distal fastening surface is an adhesive.
 48. The disposableabsorbent article of claim 47, further comprising a plurality ofengaging elements outwardly extending from the proximate fasteningsurface.
 49. The disposable absorbent article of claim 48, wherein eachengaging element comprises a stem supported at one end by the proximatefastening surface and a head disposed at the stem end opposite theproximate fastening surface.
 50. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 48, wherein the proximate fastening surface is releasablyfastenable to a landing member on the article.
 51. A disposableabsorbent article comprising: (a) a body portion having an insidesurface, an outside surface opposite of the inside surface, longitudinaledges, and edges, a first end region, and a second end region oppositeof the first end region, the body portion comprising a liquid pervioustopsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and anabsorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; (b) afastener free of a release tape, the fastener comprising a fixed portionattached to the first end region of the body portion, and a connectiveportion joined to and contiguous with the fixed portion, the connectiveportion comprising: (i) a distal edge, (ii) proximate and distalfastening members each comprising a fastening surface and a bondingsurface opposite to the fastening surface, wherein the fasteningsurfaces are releasably fastenable to each other, (iii) a backing memberattached to the bonding surfaces of the proximate and distal fasteningmembers, and (iv) a folding line disposed between the proximate anddistal fastening members.
 52. The disposable absorbent article of claim51 further comprising a landing member disposed on the second end regionof the body portion, the landing member comprising a fastening elementengageable with at least one of the fastening surface of the distalfastening member and the fastening surface of the proximate fasteningmember.
 53. The disposable absorbent article of claim 52, wherein thefastening element comprises a plurality of fiber elements.
 54. Thefastener of claim 51, further comprising a plurality of engagingelements outwardly extending from the fastening surface of the distalfastening member.
 55. The fastener of claim 54, wherein each engagingelement comprises a stem supported at one end by the fastening surfaceof the distal fastening member and a head disposed at the stem endopposite the fastening surface of the distal fastening member.
 56. Thefastener of claim 51, wherein the fastening surface of the proximatefastening member is selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, anapped nonwoven fabric, a plurality of engaging elements outwardlyextending from the fastening surface of the proximate fastening member,and combinations thereof.
 57. The fastener of claim 56, wherein thefastening surface of the proximate fastening member is an adhesive. 58.The fastener of claim 56, wherein the fastening surface of the proximatefastening member is a napped nonwoven fabric.
 59. The fastener of claim56, wherein the fastening surface of the proximate fastening member is aplurality of engaging elements outwardly extending from the fasteningsurface of the proximate fastening member.
 60. The fastener of claim 51,further comprising a plurality of engaging elements outwardly extendingfrom the fastening surface of the proximate fastening member.
 61. Thefastener of claim 60, wherein each engaging element comprises a stemsupported at one end by the fastening surface of the proximate fasteningmember and a head disposed at the stem end opposite the fasteningsurface of the proximate fastening member.
 62. The fastener of claim 60,wherein the fastening surface of the distal fastening member is selectedfrom the group consisting of an adhesive, a napped nonwoven fabric, andcombinations thereof.
 63. The fastener of claim 62, wherein thefastening surface of the distal fastening member is an adhesive.